International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

Bioaccessible lead in soils, slag, and mine wastes from an abandoned mining district in Brazil

We determined the amount of bioaccessible lead in samples of contaminated soils and in mining and refining wastes collected in the surroundings of a former smelter in a rural area in south-eastern Brazil. Previous studies showed that some resident children and adults had blood Pb levels above recommended limits, but the contamination route was not established. The incidental ingestion of contaminated soils and dusts is considered to be a major route of lead uptake by humans. Bioavailability of heavy metals like Pb depends on solubility during digestion. We used in vitro tests that simulate human gastrointestinal (GI) media to measure the amount of soluble Pb under such conditions. Pb in soil and solid waste samples ranged from 0.03 to 4.1% and 1.2 to 15%, respectively. On average, 70% of the lead content was soluble in three different simulated gastric solutions (pH 1.5 and 1.7). For the same samples, lead solubility decreased to 2-22% when the pH was raised to pH 7 to approximate conditions found in the small intestine. These results indicate that if soils and dusts of the area are ingested, most of the lead will dissolve in the stomach, and part of it will remain soluble in the duodenum, i.e., would be potentially available for absorption. These findings may explain the high blood Pb levels previously reported.30321922

Evaluation of heavy metal removal from aqueous solution onto scolecite

Scolecite is a zeolite associated to basalts of the Parana Continental Igneous Province (PCIP, South America). The potential of scolecite as a new material for heavy metal removal (Pb2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, CO2+ and Cd2+) from aqueous solutions is evaluated. The experiments were carried out by immersion of 0.5g of sample in solutions containing the metal ions, and kept under constant agitation for 24h, at ambient temperature. The meq of cations retained per mass of scolecite was evaluated as a function of. initial concentration (5-60 mg L-1), pH (4-6), liquid/solid ratio (200, 1000 and 2000) and particle size. The results indicated a great affinity of scolecite for Cu2+ with a retention value of 130 mueq g(-1) at pH 6, C-i = 30mgL(-1) and liquid/solid ratio of 200. In the same conditions, the maximum retention measured for the other ions were 64 mueq g(-1) (Zn2+), 56 mueq g(-1) (Pb2+), 31 mueq g(-1) (Ni2+), 7.8 mueq g(-1) (CO2+) and 3.2 mueq g(-1) (Cd2+). These values increase substantially when the L/S ratio is increased. The affinity of copper and lead for scolecite is discussed based on their free ionic forms (i.e., their hydrated bivalent ions) and their hydrolysis products. The remaining ions are retained as free ions. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.36194795480